According to Deadline.com, actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is still in talks to play an unspecified role in Chris Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. For many months, it had been heavily rumored that Gordon-Levitt was up for consideration to play the villain in the film, and that the villain would be The Riddler. But last month, Warner Bros. Pictures announced that Tom Hardy would be joining the cast as the villain Bane. Word of Gordon-Levitt joining the cast is a huge mystery now, given that Nolan himself has stated that The Riddler would not be in the film, and that The Joker is Heath Ledger’s legacy and would not be seen again. So what does this mean? Who will we see appear? Another villain (alongside Selina Kyle and Bane)? Or maybe he’ll play a good guy? Who knows… maybe we’ll see The Boy Wonder…

An interesting statement came from Warner Bros. Pictures this morning regarding some important casting decisions made about The Dark Knight Rises, the 3rd and final film in Chris Nolan’s Batman trilogy. The statement reads:

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”

In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.” Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven. “The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

So there you have it. It has been known for some time about Tom Hardy being cast in the film, but his role was not yet determined. I personally am eager to see him take on another psychotic role, and Bane just might be the right fit for him. If you haven’t seen him in Bronson, I would highly recommend it. Check out this trailer below to get a glimpse of his brilliant performance.

And I’m just as excited to see Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle. Hathaway is beautiful, and is truly a great actress. I’m excited to see her under Nolan’s direction. Just note that the Press Release didn’t mention Catwoman. Now it would be silly to have Kyle, but no Catwoman, but… you never know. To see more of Anne Hathaway, check out our Chickswelike.com article on her.

So what are your thoughts? Comment below and tell us if you think they made the right choices!